What is Rhein Klassik?
Rhein Klassik is an organisation based in Basel, creating opportunities for musicians in Switzerland, where culture is a key part of the society.
It became clear throughout the current pandemic more support is needed for the freelance community. So, we decided to help by organising concerts in Basel in aid of freelance musicians.
ETHICS
Rhein Klassik was built on the idea of supporting musicians in need, with the performers themselves helping their fellow musicians.
SUSTAINABILITY
Donations make up the foundations of Rhein Klassik, with part being used to re-invest into future concerts.
TRANSPARENCY
All proceeds are distributed fairly between performers and Rhein Klassik, keeping the concept alive.
© Benno Hunziker
What is our goal?
Our goal is to continue growing our presence here in Switzerland, establishing it as an ethical and sustainable concert series, with a core principal of supporting freelance and independent musicians. This is the first initiative of its kind, here in Basel, the heart of Swiss culture.
We began our concert series in November 2020, and to date we have more than 10 concerts planned together with a variety of musicians based in and around Basel. The programmes are organised directly by the musicians, we offer free entry, and all proceeds are used to support classical musicians in Switzerland.
Our Modus Operandi:
Rhein Klassik is a donation driven organisation, and we strive to keep the initiative as transparent as possible.
This is our current setup:
- A common fund has been set up from which in the future musicians can gain financial support, as well offering scholarships to students in financial need.
- Both freelance and employed musicians will be invited to participate fairly and evenly in the series.
- After covering overhead costs, donations are distributed as follows:
- 25% is retained to reinvest into future projects and add to the common fund.
- Remaining donations will be paid out directly to the performing musicians, up to a maximum fee of 750chf/performer.
- Any surplus donations are split between the common fund and re-invested into putting on further concerts, ensuring the continuity of the initiative and supporting the musical community.
Support Rhein Klassik
Thank yous.
Teodora Dimitrova and Pablo Salva Peralta: A big thank you has to be said to my two colleagues, and wonderful friends, who have been a part of the journey from the start. I am eternally grateful for their time, generosity, and musicality.
Franz Osswald and Michael Bangert, Predigerkirche, Basel (left) : their support for the project has been unwavering. The generosity and trust shown by Franz and Michael from the Christkatholisches Kirche is a role model to us how a community can support each other during a crisis.
Benno Hunziker (right): For donating his beautiful art with a camera, and his persistent encouragement through cancellations and postponements. You are the man.
Who is behind Rhein Klassik?
My name is Christopher Jepson, and in 2010 I moved to Basel to take up the position of 2. Solo cellist of the Sinfonieorchester Basel after 2 years being part of the cello section of Deutsches Sinfonie Orchester, Berlin. For the last 8 years I have been playing as Solo Cello of the Gstaad Menuhin Festival, and engage often as guest solo cello in orchestras across Europe.
I have given masterclasses in conservatories in the UK, Chile and China, and have been invited as Professor at the British Isles Music Festival, where I am still on the board of trustees.
I saw the need to help my freelance colleagues, and decided to create this concert series with the hope of making a difference during this difficult period. My goal is to grow this initiative to become the leading ethical and sustainable classical music concert series, bringing the beauty of music to the people, whilst supporting musicians in need.
